Getting to Ocracoke

 Where is Ocracoke?

Ocracoke Island sits 20 miles from the mainland between the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean. It’s the southernmost island in the Outer Banks and much of Ocracoke is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which continues along Hatteras Island to the north. To the south you’ll find Portsmouth Island and the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

On the island, there’s one town – the village of Ocracoke – and one gas station. There are a handful of stop signs and the only time you’ll see a stoplight is when there’s a little stretch of roadway to repair.

It’s quiet, quaint, and wildly beautiful here, but to experience Ocracoke you have to get there.

How to get to Ocracoke

We recommend taking the ferry.

There are three different ferry options to Ocracoke Island.

2026 Ferry Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: expect to find heavier traffic and more passengers on the free ferries during our wedding weekend.

In the summer, the Hatteras ferry leaves every 30 minutes, and the Swan Quarter and Cedar Island ferries have reserved times.

The ferries are a great exhale after the road travel and indicator that you’re basically to the island. It’s not uncommon to find discreet happy hours taking place on ferries as they cross over. hint hint.

  • The Ocracoke/Hatteras Ferry

    This is a free ferry that takes off from the tip of Hatteras in the Outer Banks from NC 12; it’s about an hour long, and lets you off on the northern end of the island. It’s a first come, first serve situation, and during high season can be a wait. But it’s an ideal choice if you don’t want to make a ferry reservation or run late (like Katie) .

  • Swan Quarter - Ocracoke Ferry

    This is a reservation only 2.5 hour ferry ride that has an air conditioned passenger area so you don’t have to stay in your car the whole time. There’s a nominal fee to secure your reservation, and you must be on-site 30 minutes before the ferry time for loading. This is an ideal choice if you are a disciplined vacation planner like Zach.

  • Cedar Island - Ocracoke Ferry

    Much the same as the Swan Quarter ferry. Again, not on Katie’s radar at all since she has no vacation planning discipline. Her mom can tell you more about it; just inquire.